SUPERINTENDENT BROOKS LEADS IN FIRST STUDENT CABINET MEETING Days after beginning his employment as Sumter County Schools'

Superintendent, Dr. Roy Brooks lost little time in delivery of his early missions. Along with proposing his six priorities of 1. Student Achievement 2. Operational Efficiency 3. Customer Service 4. Public Relations and Marketing 5. Student Conduct and 6. Employee Professionalism, Dr. Brooks shared his overall administrative theme, "a new beginning." At each school, church, and five county-wide "Town-Hall Listening Sessions," Dr. Brooks continues to share his paramount goal, "to become one of the highest achieving rural school districts in Georgia."

That same theme was heard today by an enthusiastic group of students from Americus-Sumter High South Campus, North Campus, Staley Middle School, Sumter County Middle School, The Performance Learning Center, and the Early College. This group of school leaders was recommended by the school's principals.

For this first meeting, students were transported by bus to the Board of Education Central Office. As the students enjoyed trays of donuts, fresh fruits and beverages, Dr. Brooks shared his goal to meet parents of all students in Sumter County Schools. First on the program's agenda, individual students stood and introduced themselves, their respective schools and their most positive personal attribute. Using these positive attributes, Dr. Brooks capitalized on their responses as he shared his Vision and Priorities with the group. Exciting dialog between Dr. Brooks and the students followed.

"If you will please help me learn more about you, I have two simple assignments. At our next meeting, on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, at 9:00 a.m., I would like for you to have done research on writing a resume. You will discover what should be included as you record the positive progression in your lives. Also, I would like for you to prepare a half-page biography," said Dr. Brooks.

Each student received a numbered bookmark for use in a drawing for door prizes. Three festive gift bags had been filled with school-related items. "I wish I had a $100 bill to put in this prize selection, but I do not," said Dr. Brooks. Hearing this comment, six administrators opened their wallets and offered $10 bills to add in the fun-filled name selection. "These people are also proud of the positive student attributes you exemplify in our schools. Let's applaud them for their gifts," continued Dr. Brooks.

Before their exit to the waiting school bus, the 21 cabinet members took time to complete a questionnaire and shake hands with Dr. Brooks and other adults who attended this first meeting.